Bank plan to help farmers

A NEW business-planning package has been launched by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank.

The "tool kit" is designed to help farmers make the best decisions to drive their businesses forward, says Henry Graham, head of agribusiness at the bank.

It was developed in association with accountant Grant Thornton and Salisbury-based legal firm Wilsons. Key components include a business-planning CD, and an audiotape presentation of a fictitious farming family.

"The tape is designed to provide farmers with an easy-listening introduction to a number of key planning and development issues," says Mr Graham.

"The vital starting point for all planning processes is the farmer or the farming family. You cant do anything unless there is a commitment to innovative and imaginative change. But our experience has been that such commitment is present on many farms and that producers are desperate to move their businesses forward." &#42